Robert F. Dukes Sr.

Early Life

Sheriff Dukes was born in Branchville on September 30, 1872. He was the son of A.F.H. Dukes and Susan McAlhaney Dukes of Branchville.

Education

Dukes attended the Sheridan School in Orangeburg and graduated from the Citadel in 1894.

Involvements

Shortly thereafter, he served as a 2nd Lieutenant Company G, South Carolina Volunteers, an Orangeburg Unit during the Spanish American War. He was a member of the Methodist church, a Mason and an Elk. He served as Branchville’s Mayor and was a member of the local legislative delegation for two terms.

Appointment

He was elected Sheriff in 1916.

Family

Fulton Dukes married the former Edna McKewn. They were the parents of four daughters and one son.

Death

Sheriff Fulton Dukes died in November 1935 while still in office. After his death, Coroner A.D. Ruple assumed the duties of Sheriff until Governor Olin Dewitt Talmadge Johnston appointed Edward Jones Salley to carry out the remainder of Dukes term.